Method of making a single part color photographic processing composition in slurry form

Abstract

A homogeneous, single part slurry-form color photographic developer composition for use in color photographic processing is provided which comprises a defined compound of Formula (1) and, a p-phenylenediamine derivative, and contains a discontinuous solid phase distributed in a single liquid phase. The slurry is used by being completely dissolved in water, and diluted to make a working tank developer or developer replenisher solution, typically with a pH of about 10.4 or less for the working tank and 12.0 or less for the replenisher. The slurry is compact, homogeneous, easy to dispense, has excellent water solubility, and remains free of degradation during long-term storage. A process for developing photographic color silver halide photosensitive material with the slurry is also provided, as well as a process for making the slurry.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method for making a homogeneous, single-part slurry color developer, comprising: dispersing one or more solid alkaline compounds and one or more solid p-phenylenediamine derivatives into a compatible water miscible organic solvent whichcontains substantially no water; and blending a compound represented by Formula (I) into the solvent-alkali-p-phenylenediamine derivative mixture                    
       where X is selected from the group consisting of —OR 1 , H and methyl; R 1  is selected from the group consisting of H, acyl, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and heteroaromatic, which is either unsubstituted or substituted; R 2  and R 4  can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and heteroaromatic, which is either unsubstituted or substituted; R 3  is selected from the group consisting of H, alkoxyl, alkyl, aryl, arylalkoxyl, aryloxycarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl, which is either unsubstituted or substituted; n is an integer from 1 to 5; m is 0 or 1.  
     
     
       2. The method of claim  1  wherein the alkaline compounds are selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkali metal carbonates. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim  1  wherein the resulting mixture is then dispersed in water whereby the resulting slurry contains water in a concentration of less than about 50% (w/w). 
     
     
       4. The method of claim  3  wherein a dispersing agent is added and is present in the slurry with the water. 
     
     
       5. A method for making a homogeneous, single-part slurry color developer, comprising: dispersing one or more solid alkaline compounds and one or more solid p-phenylenediamine derivatives into a compound represented by Formula (I) which contains substantially no water                    
       where X is selected from the group consisting of —OR 1 , H and methyl; R 1  is selected from the group consisting of H, acyl, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and heteroaromatic, which is either unsubstituted or substituted; R 2  and R 4  can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and heteroaromatic, which is either unsubstituted or substituted; R 3  is selected from the group consisting of H, alkoxyl, alky, aryl, arylalkoxyl, aryloxycarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl, which is either unsubstituted or substituted; n is an integer from 1 to 5; m is 0 or 1.  
     
     
       6. The method of claim  5  wherein the alkaline compounds are selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkali metal carbonates. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim  5  wherein the resulting dispersion of one or more alkaline compounds, one or more solid p-phenylene derivatives and the compound of Formula (I) is then dispersed in water whereby the resulting slurry contains water in a concentration of less than about 50% (w/w). 
     
     
       8. The method of claim  7  wherein a dispersing agent is added and is present in the slurry with the water.